Alba: Barca must avoid upset losses

Barcelona must try to avoid the slump in form Real Madrid have been through recently, according to Spain international Jordi Alba.

Reigning La Liga champions Real sit seventh in the Spanish top flight on seven points, while Barca sit top, eight points ahead of their rivals with a 100 percent record.

Alba believes the early points difference could be crucial this campaign, although the signing insists Atletico Madrid and Malaga could be contenders this season.

“We are eight points (ahead) and it’s very important,” the 23-year-old told AS. “Now we have to think about getting the three points against Sevilla.

“Hopefully we can keep the difference (between the clubs) up to the Clasico. But I would not rule out Atletico and Malaga (winning the league).

“We’ll see if we can beat Madrid, it would be great to extend the distance. It was unthinkable that Madrid lost these games, so we are warned: it can happen to us.”